If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the things you have to do, you are not alone. Almost everyone does these days, and they
are feeling the impact of stress. The challenges of balancing work and life can actually impede our progress rather than move
us forward. Too much stress can cause us to do things less efficiently, and it can lead to health problems.

Modern expectations have put us in the fast lane to achievement and obtainment. In the race to be better, bigger, and
more profitable, many businesses and bosses are driving their employees to work harder and work more.

Employer and workplace demands can rule our lives if we are not careful to set some boundaries and exercise good stress
management skills. The following are a few simple suggestions for empowering yourself and giving you back some balance between
work and life.

1. Turn your phone off during bedtime. Before going to sleep at night, make sure all televisions, stereos, computers,
and phones are off. Electronic devices can interfere with our sleep patterns and our rest.

2. Wake up just 10 minutes earlier. Before you get out of bed, take 10 minutes to do some deep breathing and mental clearing.
Stay focused on your breathing, and begin your day in a calm and centered way.

3. Moderate your dependence on e-mail and social media. In the same way that we need to watch what we eat and drink, we
also need to pay attention to our Internet habits. And keep your e-mail inbox organized and uncluttered.

4. Listen to your body. Pay attention to your energy cycles. Do you need to eat something, take a walk down the hall,
or just take a few moments to let your mind rest?

5. Avoid workplace politics. Do your best to stay neutral and do not get emotionally involved with drama and gossip. You
are there to work, not to get involved with other people's problems. Be good at your job and do not take anything personally.

6. Keep a positive attitude. Maintain a positive workspace for yourself with your favorite pictures, desktop accessories,
and flowers or plants. Keep reminding yourself about the good things in your life. And no matter what happens, do your best
to stay centered.

7. Communicate clearly and consistently. Make it a regular practice to speak up in a confident and effective way. Ask
questions and get clarity about anything you do not fully understand. Be optimistic and request any suggestions for solutions
that will help you and your boss and co-workers to accomplish tasks more efficiently.

8. Set boundaries and know when to say no. In the effort to do a good job, you may want to please your boss or feel obligated
to fulfill every task your boss gives you. However, sometimes you just have to say no. Taking on too much at once only leads
to tension and fatigue. Know when to politely decline another task and to avoid over-committing yourself.

Conny Jasper, MA has over twenty years of
experience helping people to change their lives and to make informed decisions. For more information about coaching
with Conny Jasper, call 732-745-9293.